ATEX Directive doesn’t affect hoses

Generally, if you operate in potentially explosive conditions, you need ATEX-compliant equipment, materials certified according to EU directives 99/99 and 2014/34. The earlier standard refers to the safety of personnel; the later, to equipment and protective systems intended for use in those kinds of conditions.

The directive 2014/34/EU applies to equipment capable of causing an explosion through its own potential sources of ignition. Hoses and hose assemblies do not fall within the scope of this directive since they don’t have own potential sources of ignition.

As a result, CE branding and ATEX logo branding are forbidden on hoses and hose assemblies.
The technical specification CEI/TS 6CEI/TS 60079-32-1:2013 or TRGS 727) for hoses used in ATEX areas, Explosive atmospheres - Electrostatic hazards, guidance, provides standard recommendations for the control of static electricity.

This technical specification points out the conditions to use hose assemblies in ATEX areas for liquid and pneumatic transfers:

• All steel helices and copper wires must be connected to the couplings.
• The hose must be permanently grounded to earth.

For liquid transfer, the requirements depend on the conductivity of liquids. However, if the electrical resistance of tube is less than 1 MΩ per length, the hose can be used to transfer all liquids (high, medium and low conductivity). 

Trelleborg provides ATEX attestation for hoses.